by Dan Ninham, Contributing Writer
The Warroad, Minnesota hockey community is built around hockey and toddlers are probably skating before they are walking. The culture of being a powerhouse hockey program also coincides with the number of indigenous hockey players that have come in the past and are continuing to contribute now and in the foreseeable future.
Thomas Grapentine is a member of the Hollow Water First Nation. He is a senior hockey and golfer at Warroad High School in Warroad, Minnesota. The Warriors are preparing for the next season … the post season … but are focused on the last regular season game first. The team is 17-5-1 and ranked fourth in the state Class A poll.
As a senior athlete Thomas has had major accomplishments on the ice as one of the top players on a top class hockey team and program. “Making it to the Minnesota High School hockey state tournament my sophomore year and also in the same year participating in Hockey Day Minnesota which was televised and hosted in Warroad, Minnesota,” said Thomas.
“Definitely my biggest accomplishment would be playing Warroad varsity hockey,” said Thomas. “This is because I am able to play the sport I love in a community I love that has passion for the game deep in its roots. To me personally there would be no better place in the world to play hockey.”
Warroad HS Warrior hockey has had an outstanding legacy of an indigenous representation of athletes.
“Representing my Indigenous community as a varsity athlete means carrying more than just my own goals onto the ice,” said Thomas. “Every time I compete, I am aware that I stand in spaces where Indigenous people have not always been welcomed or represented. My presence alone challenges stereotypes and reminds others and myself that Indigenous athletes belong at the highest levels of competition. I am not only playing for personal achievement, but for visibility and recognition of my community.”
High performing skilled athletes included daily physical and mental training regimens to stay at the top of their competition levels.
“Along with practice every day after school I am constantly in the weight room or shooting pucks so I can build my strength and shot,” said Thomas. “If I am not in the weight room I am on the ice just skating and working on any bit of craft I can.”
There are many followers of the storied varsity athletes on the ice at Warroad HS among the young men. There is always more room for indigenous athletes to follow in the hockey skates of those who inspired them. “Some advice I would give to other young Indigenous athletes is to never feel like you have to choose between your identity and your dreams,” said Thomas. “Your culture, language, and community are sources of strength, not obstacles. Carry them with pride into every space you enter, even when it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar.”
“There will be moments when you feel pressure to represent more than just yourself. Remember that you do not need to be perfect to be worthy of the opportunities you have earned. Simply showing up, working hard, and staying true to who you are is enough. Your journey does not have to look like anyone else,” added Thomas.
Photos: Up North Photography
